As of today, Planting Dollars has been alive and well for 2 months, but it’s growth has been more than I expected thus far. It’s still just barely sprouting into the the giant tree it will be one day, but I’m happy that it’s sprouting quite quickly.
As of today it’s ranked 265,565 on Alexa via a 3 month average (even though it hasn’t been around 3 months yet), it’s one month average is 122,661 and it averages 212 visitors a day with 754 page views. Not too shabby for just 2 months!
So how’d it happen?
Before I started this blog I told myself I’d work on this blog a minimum of 3 years and that I wouldn’t even focus on making money for the first year. As a result I’m focusing only on content and marketing. Currently I have goals of achieving 100,000 page views a month and an alexa rating of over 50,000 by the beginning of June this year.
Here are the main areas I’ve focused on.
Guest Posting
This has drawn a lot of traffic to my blog and also secured some backlinks on high ranking websites. Through guest posting I’ve been exposed to new audiences who’ve given me active feedback about my articles and through guest posting I’ve attracted new readers to the site. This is probably the most beneficial activity I’ve done thus far and something I’d highly recommend to other bloggers. If you provide a great guest post to another blogger they’re getting great content, while you’re getting a backlink and more exposure. Gotta love the win win situations. If you’d like to see where I’ve guest posted you can see a list on the archives page.
Commenting
The first weekend I started this blog I spent literally the whole weekend commenting on every blog on the Wisebread top 100 and other blogs I found through blogrolls as I went around the blogosphere. This alone has been a catalyst for active dialogue between other bloggers which drives the comments on this site. Also adding the Commentluv plugin and top commentors on the left column of this site was done so to encourage comments. I love comments!
Alexa Challenge
The alexa challenge was a great idea because it gives a concrete goal to shoot for. There’s just something about numerical goals I love so watching my alexa ranking grow has been a great experience. You can see more about the alexa challenge here, and see how everyone is doing via Daniel’s Sweating the Big Stuff site where he’s charting everyone’s progress.
Emailing
Having dialogue with other bloggers has been fun and has also allowed me to pick the brains of bloggers who are much smarter than I am. Being young I still have a lot to learn and really appreciate those who have more experience than I answering my questions along the way.
Writing at least 1 post a day
I have a 1 post a day minimum on this blog and in the future will probably up it to at least 2 posts a day. This allows greater incentive to come back to the site since there is always fresh content and in the future will be beneficial because there will be more articles (with SEO) for Google to index and people to find in the search engines.
So there you have it. Basically I comment a lot, guest post a fair amount, and write at least one post a day that I try to make valuable to my readers. The results of these actions can be seen via the chart below which is from February 13, 2010:
I’ve also poured a lot of myself into this blog which I think makes it unique. I plan to add a lot more information to the site and have enough content ideas to keep me going for several years no problem. I also appreciate the active feedback and comments from those who’ve taken the time to visit the site.
Thank you to everyone who’s come to my site, actively contributed, and provided me encouragement along the way. It’s only been two months, but it’s been an awesome experience and I look forward to more growth, discussion, and feedback.
Image from Bonguri
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Good work Ryan. I have to admit your blog is one of those that makes me wonder if I should reveal more of myself on Monevator. Then again I don’t live in Hawaii, so I can’t offer up cool snorkelling videos - can’t really top that!
I’m find Sam’s Alexa challenge much more engrossing then I expected, too, and I agree it’s good motivation. Alexa is very strange though - I’m seeing a lot more visitors then you (no willy-waving here, I’ve been around for two years and my progress was a *lot* slower than yours) and yet you’re above me in the rankings. I think it’s perhaps because a lot of my readers are from the UK, but you’d expect Alexa to adjust for that.
Anyway, congrats on a great two month start!
Monevator´s last blog ..Weekend reading: Real estate realities
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Ryan Reply:
February 14th, 2010 at 4:34 am
Hey Monevator,
Thanks for your thoughts. To be honest most people aren’t from where you’re from so each area of the world is fascinating to the majority of people in the world since it’s completely new to them… I’ve never been to the U.K. but see value in learning about it… I would love to see vide0s of where you’re from and learn more about you since I like meeting people and discovering the world… is that odd?
Alexa is obviously geared towards more than just a traffic count. They factor in bounce rate, time on site, page views per user, and other factors so that definitely affects their overall rating. If you shoot to the front page of Digg and get a ton of visitors with an extremely high bounce rate does it mean it’s a better site? I think alexa is trying to gain a comprehensive view of the site which pertains to the value it provides users… I don’t necessarily agree it matters which country you’re from… what do you think?
Personally I have nothing to hide as a blogger, especially a young blogger without a career ahead of me, but rather a bunch of entrepreneurial ventures and life experiments that I want active feedback on (via awesome commentors such as yourself), and I have more to gain when showing my face and building contacts around the world. I love meeting new and interesting people such as yourself so revealing myself makes me more real to you and others, thus building trust. What would be the most negative outcome of you showing your identity?
In the end we’re all human and desire practically the same things… love, acceptance, and feeling like we’ve accomplished something to better ourselves and others… I hope to better others through information on this site and at the same time gain knowledge through those who provide feedback, therefore I appreciate your comments.
I ranted there a bit, but I think each of us have value to provide to everyone else via our experiences, much like you taught me about a particular U.K. investor the other day. The more we act like global citizens rather than citizens of a particular territory, the more the world becomes a better place where everyone becomes and equal…
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki
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Monevator Reply:
February 14th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Hi again Ryan! Thanks for your long and exhaustive thoughts. A lot to digest!
One reason for being more anonymous is I keep toying with being more financially transparent, a bit like Flexo on Consumerism Commentary. And I don’t know if I’d feel comfortable doing that if I was 100% identifiable. But I think perhaps I should bring a touch more of me into proceedings.
You could be right about Alexa. I noticed from your sitemeter you have a great average time per visit on the blog. That’s got to be doing well for you.
Whatever it is, it’s working like you say. Keep it up and good luck, I’m sure we’ll be chatting more in ‘10!
Monevator´s last blog ..Weekend reading: Real estate realities
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Nice work Ryan! I can feel your enthusiasm. It is so fun to progress. It gets harder and harder the lower we go, hence partly reason why the Yakezie challenge started. After the initial 6 month period, I started to fade, so I’m happy to rely on a network of potential Yakezie members to pull me and others along.
Do you have a Twitter account btw?
Glad Monevator is on board too.
Best, Sam
Financial Samurai´s last blog ..Getting Busy This Valentine’s Weekend! (Singles Especially)
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Ryan Reply:
February 14th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
I could imagine it would get a lot harder once the huge leaps and excitement of jumping up the rankings starts to slow down… However at your level you have a ton more opportunities which you can leverage to become even more successful online by piggybacking onto other sites and getting the attention of more successful bloggers and publications.
I haven’t done much with twitter, started an account recently which is http://www.twitter.com/PlantingDollars
I am completely ignorant to twitter and have to teach myself about it still… any advice?
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki
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Ryan - Congratulations on the successful ride! You have worked hard, produced some amazing content and contributed to the PF blogging community at large. You deserve all the success that comes your way.
To Monevators questions regarding Alexa, my perception has been that the Alexa score is driven in large part by others that use the Alexa toolbar and visit your site. I’ll freely admit that I have not enjoyed the kind of traffic that many others have had in total but I have still seen significant improvement in my Alexa score.
I thing Samurai has the right idea on how to achieve a new level of growth, united we stand, divided we languish. At least as far as Alexa is concerned.
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Ryan Reply:
February 14th, 2010 at 6:25 pm
Thanks coach,
It’s been really fun, and like I mentioned in the article… just scratching the surface really thus far… so many ideas and articles to write in my head it’s crazy.
I wonder if anyone understands how Alexa works besides Alexa themselves! haha.
The strategy Samurai uses, which I really like, is essentially helping others, which is great and it goes to show the power of doing that.
Thanks for the comments!
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki
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This is great, I love your style and actually found you through a guest post you did! I totally agree with you on your points about exploding traffic to your blog especially the one on commenting… that has been my secret sauce so to speak, that and checking my Alexa score constantly to keep me pumped
Good one!
[Reply]
Ryan Reply:
February 14th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Hey Maren,
Thanks for stopping by and the compliment. I think marketing is probably thee most important aspect of blogging since a lot of us are saying a lot of the same things… the one who stands out with creativity and max exposure wins.. still takes a lot of work though. You caught my eye with your comment so there’s yet more proof it works…
I took check alexa a ton, probably a little on the compulsive side… just really fun to watch things grow!
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki
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Hey Ryan,
Looks like you are posting some pretty nice numbers! Can’t wait to see what you are doing in 6 months if you keep this effort up. I really struggle with posting a new article each day due to work and my other websites, so I usually only get 2 or so up a week.
Keep up the great work!
Tom
Tom | Build That List´s last blog ..The Aweber Code….And Why You Need To Promote It!
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Ryan Reply:
February 15th, 2010 at 12:48 am
Appreciate the feedback Tom, it’s been a lot of fun and I would’ve never guessed I’d be this far after only two months and having no prior blogs… really enjoying it. 6 months from now… seems like an eternity, lol.
I could always use more help with lists and social networking (I feel like an old man with this stuff) so I’ve subscribed to your RSS. Thanks for stopping by!
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki
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Ryan:
Your blog is great. I found out about it through Lisa if 2 create a website. You blog is one of the best that I have come across. What you have done in a short amount of time is awesome and also inspiring. I get pumped up from post regarding “Why do you want financial freedom.” I bookmarked your site immediatly.
[Reply]
Ryan Reply:
February 15th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Thanks Jessica, I look forward to seeing you around!
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki
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Congratulations on the great success! Soon your 3 month ranking will be closer to your 1 month ranking. Isn’t it nice to see a big jump every day? To me it’s a big motivator. Hopefully, we’ll all be on top the 100 list soon and people will be clickong on us! Except for Lean Life Coach…he’s already made it! And based on his progress, could break the top 50 soon!
[Reply]
Ryan Reply:
February 15th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
I have a feeling it’ll only be a matter of a few months until your prediction comes true.
It is a great motivator as numerical goals seem so much more fun to track!
Thanks for stopping by Daniel
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki
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Congrats on your recent success! I love commenting on other blogs too, but I think it is because I love reading everyone’s views on different topics.
Your pageviews vs visits is amazing! Since most of my traffic is from search engines (way over 65%) my bounce rate is embarrassingly high. Way to go!
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Ryan Reply:
February 15th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Hey Evan,
Thanks man. I think it’s fun to comment as well… it’s like being at an online PF cocktail party where everyone discusses their own viewpoint and outsiders can learn as a result… super fun and does not feel like work at all to run this blog.
Yea, I don’t think Google has even indexed a lot of my site. I get about 1-2% of my traffic from Google, but a lot of it is simply people Googling “Planting Dollars” haha.
If you have Google visitors though you have a lot better shot of picking up new leads and readers to your site as well. Did you start doing SEO from the beginning with your site?
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki
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Ryan,
Excellent post! Guest posting is something I’m trying to get started so I can reach to new audiences and spread my link around
I am impressed with your progress and will be checking out Wisebread.
Thanks for the great ideas!
Moon Hussain´s last blog ..Quit Making Your 101 Excuses And Embrace Those Challenges!
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Ryan Reply:
February 16th, 2010 at 4:47 pm
No worries, best of luck in building your site!
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki
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I think your Alexa ranking alone (amongst other things of course) is reason to visit and see what is going on here - anyone who gets in the top 1 million of Alexa is at least worth spending some time on in my opinion, because it is territory that is not simply achieved by throwing up a website.
Jeremy Johnson´s last blog ..How To Be A Hot Nerd
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Hi Ryan,
I found your site through Lisa’s youtube SEO video. I am really impressed by the success you have had in generating traffic to your site.
I launched my site (www.krishikafashion.com) in early Dec 2009 and have not had any organic traffic to the site. My site is not a blog, but rather a catalog.
I was wondering if you have any advice on how best I can generate traffic for my website? At the end of the day I am trying to sell products through my site!
Thanks,
Krishika
[Reply]
Ryan Reply:
February 18th, 2010 at 1:22 am
Krishika,
Both you and I will have completely different strategies, but realize that people online look for information regarding a product. I do offer some consulting if you’re interested, but there’s much more to it than I can answer in a comment box. If you’re interested in me helping you with your site feel free to email me.
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki
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Ryan,
I’ve cruised through some of your posts and i particularly like his post because it hits home for me. I just started a blog last week and have a huge desire to help small businesses. I am new to the blogging scene and knowing that with passion and some drive you can get people to view your site. People viewing your site is what drives readership. I could have the best articles in the world and have no one reading them. Thank you, I’ll be following up on your blog. I like the personality brought to the words.
-Eric
[Reply]
Ryan Reply:
February 19th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
Thanks Eric,
If you’d like to guest post in the future to promote your site feel free to let me know.
Ryan
Ryan´s last blog ..Hiking Diamond Head and Snorkeling In Waikiki
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Eric Saylor Reply:
February 19th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
Hey,
That’d be awesome. I just read over your Yoda post. Made me laugh when i saw the title and I liked the content. I’d love to guest post sometime, thank you for the offer!
Exciting.
-Eric Saylor
Eric Saylor´s last blog ..Scraping the bottom of the bowl?
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I saw Moon recommend you. Nice job on the blog. I’m looking for a guest post on how to drive blog traffic/Alexa ranking since this is not something I’ve achieved yet to the extent I’m willing to stand up and call myself skilled enough to tell others about it. Interested in working with me?
JadeDragon@innovativepassiveincome´s last blog ..How to Create eHow Articles that Stink
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What a motivating track record! I can certainly attest to daily posting attributing to a rise in my numbers/traffic. Since I’m passionate about passive income building, I’ve stopped putting my blog on the back burner and now consider it a labor of love — not something that gets updated when I’m no longer swamped with work. In fact, I’ve even lessened my work load to make time for blogging because as with any solid business plan, the long-term goal will always pan out in the end as long as you put in the initial work.
[Reply]
Ryan, found your site thru the Yakezie! Always good to find a site with fresh thoughts and insights! Sounds like you’re doing some good things!! Looking forward to more dialogue with you in the future!
Jason @ Redeeming Riches´s last blog ..How to Get a Bigger House Without Buying a New One
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Ryan Reply:
March 14th, 2010 at 11:59 pm
Likewise Jason, thanks for stopping by. I’ll shoot you an email in the next few days.
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I found this post REALLY helpful. Launched my site on Feb 21st! Am having a wonderful time…… and am amazed at the blog world!!! I have a million years experience in finance including work and education, but I’m a novice blogger!!! What do you see as the downside to the Alexa Challenge? If I download the toolbar, will my ranking go on my site?
Thanks for a great post.
Barb
Barb´s last blog ..How to Get What You Want Out of Life & Have the Cash to Pay for it
[Reply]
Ryan Reply:
March 14th, 2010 at 11:59 pm
Hey Barb,
I don’t really see a downside. It’s just a fun challenge for pf bloggers that encourages us to better ourselves, not really any negatives. However, alexa is just a tool and doesn’t determine whether or not your site is successful.
If you download the toolbar or widget like I have on my site it will display your rank, yes. Welcome to the world of blogging.
[Reply]
Hi Ryan:
I also found your website from Lisa’s Case Study on your site. I congratulate you on your success and applaud the success of others.
How many days or months prior to your website launch did it take you to create what I see today? Also, what do you (and others) consider a launch date? Is that the date you bought the domain name?
I find myself getting lost in the business end – concentrating on website design and layout, Alexa rankings, AdWords/AdSense, trending, affiliates, niche’s, ebooks, site traffic, profits, guest posting, tweeting and networking.
Thank you for a great site and I look forward to more!
[Reply]
Ryan Reply:
March 14th, 2010 at 11:56 pm
Scott,
I consider launch date my first post. I tweaked the site, and still continue to tweak it as I progress. My first post was on a blank non customized thesis theme template without any backlinks to the domain.
Just reading your list of things makes me exhausted as well. Just do what you enjoy and worry about what matters on your site… content. After you’ve got good content let people know its good by networking with others, that’s literally all you really need to know, everything else is details.
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This post is very inspiring! I can certainly understand the hard work, not to the extent that you’ve poured out, because you have been working really hard. But the hard work that I’ve poured out has, in my eyes, been very well worth it but it’s obvious I have quite a way to goal to achieve my goal. This gives me a lot of encouragement and inspiration. It’s posts like this, that causes me to search for like minded people (such as yourself) who are inspiring! Thanks and keep up the good work we’re all pullin for ya!!
Jarrod@ Optimistic Journey´s last blog ..The Benefit of Living an Optimistic Lifestyle
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Hey Ryan,
Your alexa rank keeps on improving. i think the 50.000rank was just a stepping stone. Your rate of progress is really challenging, it encourages me never to give up. I think all is possible, its just a matter of understanding the business you are into.
harvestwages´s last blog ..Budding Entrepreneur – Do You Have What it Takes to Cut It?
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I’m not understanding the whole Alexa concept. My scores are dropping instead of increasing over the past couple days.
I did an internet search about that, and most people said Alexa doesn’t matter anyway and not to worry.
Is that true?? I dunno. I thought I was making things better, not worse. LOL
Scott Barron´s last blog ..Why Use A Website Worksheet?
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